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Visual MODFLOW Flex

Groundwater Flow & Contaminant Transport Modeling Software

Visual MODFLOW Flex brings together industry-standard codes for groundwater flow and contaminant transport, essential analysis and calibration tools, and stunning 3D visualization capabilities in a single environment.

Visual Modflow for Groundwater Flow & Contaminant Transport Modeling Software

What’s New in Visual MODFLOW Flex 12.0

Experience the new version release of Visual MODFLOW Flex 12.0

For a complete version history, see the Visual MODFLOW Flex readme file.

MT3D-USGS

The MT3D-USGS solute transport engine is an upgrade of MT3DMS, expanding its capabilities while retaining its familiar input format.

  • Parent/daughter reactions: Simulate arbitrary reactions where decaying parent species produce other species
  • Redox reactions: Full support of MT3D’s redox (electron donor/electron acceptor) reaction models, allowing for the simulation of instantaneous reactions involving two species or kinetic reactions involving an arbitrary number of electron donors and electron acceptors
  • MODFLOW-6 integration: MT3D can be run with MODFLOW-6 flow simulations on structured grids, allowing users to combine MT3DMS-like transport modeling with MODFLOW-6’s robust flow engine
  • Extended dual-domain simulations: Expanded retardation model allowing for the simulation of dual-domain mass transfer with different linear sorption parameters in the mobile and immobile domain

MODFLOW-USG Transport

The MODFLOW-USG Transport engine is now supported, giving users access to its unique capabilities:

  • Transport modeling with MODFLOW-USG: For the first time in Flex, users can perform transport modeling using the MODFLOW-USG flow engine
  • Time-variant material properties: Change hydraulic conductivity and storage parameters with time, with cell-by-cell precision
  • Chain decay reactions: Specify arbitrary parent/daughter reactions, allowing for the simulation of scenarios such as the degradation of chlorinated solvents

Engine updates and upgrades

MODFLOW-6 Particle Tracking Model (PRT)

Visual MODFLOW Flex now supports the PRT particle tracking model for MODFLOW-6:

  • Full capabilities: The familiar Flex workflows can be used to create MODFLOW-6 forwards and backwards particle tracking models that are as capable as the previously-supported engines
  • Any grid, out of the box: PRT can be run on any structured or unstructured grid in Flex, without requiring third-party tools
  • The full MODFLOW-6 workflow: With the addition of PRT, all major parts of the numerical modeling workflow – flow simulation, transport simulation, automated calibration, subregional water budget analysis, and particle tracking – can now be performed with MODFLOW-6 in Flex

MODFLOW-6 flow engine updates

The included version of MODFLOW-6 has been upgraded from version 6.4.1 to 6.7.0:

  • Improved multi-domain simulations: For models with one or more immobile domains, users now explicitly specify the volume fraction of each immobile domain
  • Seamless upgrade: Existing projects will be automatically upgraded to the new parameterization

MODPATH 7.2

Users now have the option of using MODPATH 7.2 as the particle tracking engine.

Quadtree grid particle tracking: MODPATH 7.2 can be used as a first-party particle tracking engine for flow simulations on Q-grids run using MODFLOW-6 or MODFLOW-USG

Performance and usability enhancements

Visual MODFLOW Flex includes the following improvements for working with your models:

Performance:

Algorithm improvements have greatly decreased runtimes when

  • Generating model horizons
  • Saving recharge and evapotranspiration boundary conditions which have many stress periods
  • Editing and saving recharge and evapotranspiration boundary conditions on structured grids with many grid cells
  • Assigning properties or boundary conditions using complex polyline data objects
  • Moving between workflow steps when using Q-grids with many cells

Usability:

  • Initial concentrations can now be defined using .UCN output files in the Translate workflow step for MT3D, MT3DMS, and RT3D simulations, similar to the existing implementation for MODFLOW-6
  • When the transport model is changed, irrelevant parameters are now removed from the Model Explorer
  • Added a keyboard shortcut to navigate between workflow steps (Ctrl + Page Up/Page Down)

Visual MODFLOW Flex Applications include

  • Delineate well capture zones for domestic water supply development
  • Design and optimize pumping well locations for mine dewatering projects
  • Determine contaminant fate and exposure pathways for risk assessment
  • Simulate surface water-groundwater interactions
  • Watershed scale/regional groundwater modeling, and aquifer storage and recovery (ASR)
  • Evaluate groundwater remediation systems (pump and treat, funnel and gate etc)
  • Evaluate saltwater intrusion

Why Choose Visual MODFLOW Flex?

Visual MODFLOW Flex

Build models faster and more efficiently

  • Model inputs and grid design can be updated at any point in the modeling process as modeling objectives change, more data are collected and a better understanding of the sub-surface is achieved.
  • Modeling steps are conveniently presented in an intuitive, workflow-driven graphical user interface: see current and completed steps, and steps you need to finish.
  • GIS-based 3D conceptual modeling and numerical modeling all within a single integrated software environment. This reduces costly 3rd party pre-processing tools, and eliminates transfer errors.

Build larger, more complex credible models

  • Equipped to handle vast quantities of detailed, high resolution data. Simulate large and complex regional-scale groundwater systems.
  • Model inputs and outputs can be easily visualized alongside raw GIS field data in 3D, allowing credibility by demonstrating numerical model data generation (model layers, flow parameters, recharge data) from conceptual data (borehole logs, GIS data).
  • Unique design permits easy side-by-side comparisons of multiple models allowing you to assess alternative modeling scenarios, grid indiscretions and hydro-geologic interpretations.

Powerful Data Visualization

Built and designed on the latest in 3D visualization technology, Visual MODFLOW Flex allows you to effectively present and communicate your data to colleagues and stakeholders with impressive visual renderings of your hydrogeologic model.

  • Visualize all data, including conceptual objects, numerical grids, input data (property zones, boundary condition cells) and output data (calculated heads, pathlines, water table) in state-of-the-art 2D, 3D and multi-view (FlexViewer) displays.
  • Create cut-away and cross-sectional views that allow you to see inside your model.
  • Generate 3D animations and movies for reports or the web, and optimized OpenGL graphics for enhanced hardware rendering.
  • Add isolines, contours, pathlines and color shading to viewers.
  • Drape raster images (site maps, satellite imagery) over 3D surfaces to show relief

Efficiently Manage Multiple Models

Most modeling projects involve several scenarios/versions, e.g., steady-state vs transient, different properties, inputs and grid types. Visual MODFLOW Flex allows you to assess uncertainty and improve model credibility through comparisons and analysis of multiple modeling scenarios – all within a single project.

  • Manage multiple model scenarios in a single project, and make direct visual and numerical comparisons between different modeling scenarios.
  • Easily generate multiple models in parallel for evaluating alternative hydrogeologic interpretations and hypotheses.
  • Calculate head differences between multiple model runs, with the same or different grid size.
  • Compare and analyze multiple modeling scenarios for selecting the best, most realistic model.

Full GIS Integration

Easily construct your grid-independent hydrogeologic conceptual model in minutes using existing GIS data sets.

  • Quick and easy data importing of all common file types and formats.
  • Automatic coordinate system and units conversion on import, and automatic data validation and intelligent error checking on import.
  • Define model boundaries, property zones, boundary conditions and attributes from imported GIS data.

woman in front of screen

Integrated 3D Conceptual and Numerical Groundwater Modeling

Visual MODFLOW Flex provides a seamless transition from raw data through conceptualization to the numerical model all within a single intuitive modeling environment.

  • Define complex geology and model layers using borehole log data and cross-sections
  • Interpret GIS data to define hydrogeologic properties and boundaries independent of the grid
  • Run, analyze, and validate model results with raw data in 2D, 3D, and cross-section views
  • Easily create multiple conceptualizations; generate numerous grids and model scenarios in parallel all in a single project
  • Assess uncertainty though comparing heads from multiple model runs in 2D, 3D or chart views

Flexible Grid Options

Visual MODFLOW Flex provides various grid types from which you can generate your numerical model. Easily experiment with different grid types and choose the one that gives you the best, most stable model.

  • Choose from various structured and unstructured grid types to accommodate a wide range of applications and geologic conditions (e.g., pinch outs, discontinuities).
  • Improve simulation accuracy, reduce runtimes and increase model stability with unstructured grid types (MODFLOW-USG)
  • Easily generate multiple grids within the same project and compare side-by-side in 2D or 3D
  • Perform grid refinement around areas of interest
  • Create faster more stable models with nested child grids that contain local horizontal and vertical refinement (MODFLOW-LGR)
  • View all supported grid types 

Get Started With Visual MODFLOW Flex